lh4x
Boxer Buddy
Today is the 2 year anniversary of the passing of my first boxer, Roscoe. It's brought back many depressing memories, but also some happy memories as well. Roscoe was the dog that made me fall in love with boxers. I had never really been around them before him. He was my first dog, and has made such an impact in my life. I was 15 and my parents had finally decided to let me have my own dog. I decided to get one from the shelter, since I knew there were so many dogs there needing homes. I had gone to a couple of the local shelters, and had seen many dogs that I liked, but none that I was really sold on. I went to the last shelter in our area, and when I walked in, there were only 4 or 5 dogs there, and none of them looked very healthy. I asked why there were so few dogs, and the lady said that they had to euthenize the rest because parvo was circulating through the kennels. I got upset and was about to leave when I saw something out of the corner of my eye. In the back of the shelter, in with the cats, was this tiny white puppy with a big brindle patch over his eye. It was love at first site. He was so skinny, I could see every rib on his little body, his hips were sticking out, and you could see every column of his spine. Whoever had owned him before had done his tail docking themselves and it showed. I assumed he had parvo as well, because he looked to sickly. I still wanted to help him and decided to fill out an application for him. There were already two families in front of ours, so I didn't get my hopes up about getting him. The next day the shelter called, saying neither family wanted him, and he was ours to come and pick up! I was so excited to bring my scrawny little puppy home!! I still had no idea what breed he even was, but at the vets the next day, they informed us that he was a full-bred boxer! We were shocked, and my mom was a little concerned because she hadn't wanted such a large breed around my small brothers. Well, he won her heart and everyone elses. He grew and blossomed and became my little brothers best friend. He was SO gentle with them. He had filled out well, and was growing into quite a handsome guy. At 11 months he already weighed over 80 pounds! Then, exactly a year ago today, as I was getting ready for school, my dad came into my room and told me Ross had been hit by a car. I knew even as we loaded him into the car that it was too late. He had died instantly and hopefully felt no pain. I however, felt plenty. Ross had gotten out of our fence a couple of times before to go visit his boxer girlfriend across the street, so when he went outside, someone always went with him. My dad was watching him that morning, and was right behind him as he jumped the fence to go visit his buddy, who was out in her yard as well. He couldn't get to him fast enough though. It was such a tragic accident. I miss Ross everyday. He was so young, and he had so much more life left. I wish I could have done more to protect him. He had such a troubled early start, and he deserved to have a long happy life. I'm glad we could give him a good home for the time we had him, and shower him with the love he deserved. I just wish we'd had more time. He never even reached his first birthday. I couldn't even think of getting another dog for months, but when the time came, I knew I wanted another boxer. They are such a special breed. They give so much, and ask nothing in return. I got Ozwald on Easter of the next year. Even though he could never replace Roscoe, he has helped to ease the pain a lot. It's uncanny how similar they are. Sometimes I think Ross was sent back to us through Ozzy, sometimes when Oz looks at me, all I see is Roscoe. It's been a comforting feeling, maybe some of you know what I am talking about. I just thought you all should know about Roscoe, and his short, but incredibly touching life. If any of you would like to see him, I'll add a few pictures of him into my gallery. Thanks for reading
Thank you..
